Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wells, ME

Airbnb listings are allowed in Wells, ME, but with restrictions. The Town of Wells municipal code (Article X, Chapter 150) requires licensing for 'lodging facilities' (including housekeeping cottages and other temporary lodging). Requirements include maintaining an occupancy/departure register, having an on-site manager or contact, and a restriction that units shall not be occupied as permanent residences. A 2020 proposal also outlined specific guest limits, parking requirements, and length of stay constraints. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

The Town of Wells municipal code (Article X, Chapter 150) requires licensing for 'lodging facilities' (including housekeeping cottages and other temporary lodging). Requirements include maintaining an occupancy/departure register, having an on-site manager or contact, and a restriction that units shall not be occupied as permanent residences. A 2020 proposal also outlined specific guest limits, parking requirements, and length of stay constraints.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wells. 1) Submit a lodging-facility license application form to the Town Clerk. 2) The application is reviewed by municipal officers (the licensing board) at their annual meeting, typically in May. 3) Once issued, the facility must maintain an occupancy register and comply with inspections by the Code Enforcement Officer.

1) Submit a lodging-facility license application form to the Town Clerk. 2) The application is reviewed by municipal officers (the licensing board) at their annual meeting, typically in May. 3) Once issued, the facility must maintain an occupancy register and comply with inspections by the Code Enforcement Officer.

Vrbo is permitted in Wells, ME under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Wells are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Wells. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.